Microsoft has began testing a free model of Office for Windows that features adverts. Right now, it’s important to pay for a month-to-month Microsoft 365 subscription to get entry to the total desktop model of Office, however Microsoft has been quietly testing an ad-supported model in sure international locations.
Beebom first observed that the ad-supported model of Office for Windows appeared in India lately, permitting Windows customers to entry Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and different Office apps with out the Microsoft 365 subscription price.
“Microsoft has been conducting some restricted testing. Currently, there are not any plans to launch a free, ad-supported model of Microsoft Office desktop apps,” says a Microsoft spokesperson in an announcement to PCWorld. While Microsoft claims that is restricted testing, the corporate has particularly engineered its Office apps to now work on Windows with adverts, so we could properly see this model seem in additional markets finally.
The ad-supported model of Office contains banners which might be completely seen on the aspect, in addition to 15-second video adverts that play each few hours, in keeping with Beebom. Microsoft additionally forces customers of this free model of Office to retailer paperwork in OneDrive, with assist for native file storage disabled.
Microsoft at the moment solely affords free variations of Office on the internet, so it’s important to use a browser to entry much more restricted variations of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This take a look at model of Office for Windows doesn’t embody the total options of the apps, both. Word is lacking drawing and design instruments, line spacing, and extra. The free model of Excel doesn’t assist add-ins, pivot tables, or macros. PowerPoint can also be lacking assist for dictation, customized slide exhibits, and different options.
